Last week it was wonderful to officially handover nine portable defibrillators to Council’s Works and Infrastructure Directorate. Some of the new lifesaving equipment will be taken out with Council crews to each work site, while some will remain at facilities including the Cessnock Waste Management Centre and the Cessnock Basketball Stadium. Former Councillor, Graham Smith joined us for the handover of the equipment to staff and shared a personal story. His personal experience demonstrated just how important a defibrillator can be when someone is in cardiac arrest and how it increases chances of survival. A trainer from St Johns Ambulance took our team leaders through training to ensure they are equipped to use these in the field.  

We are currently celebrating NAIDOC Week 2019 as a community, which kicked off on the 1 July and is on until 17 July. It was great to attend the Mindaribba Local Aboriginal Council Flag Raising and the Barkuma Family Fun Day. There are still a number of events you can attend to celebrate. This includes a screening of Kanyini, the PCYC open day and the Koori Cook Off. To view the program visit www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au/community/events-ceremonies/naidoc. Well done to the community who planned this wonderful program of events and activities.  

Council’s determined to make the region a better place to do business! Under the Advance Cessnock City partnership a survey has been launched to better understand the capacity of local businesses. Local businesses are encouraged to participate by completing a short 8 to 10 minute survey that is part of the Business Capability Study. Council wants to know about individual business needs, capacity and optimism, as well as the potential pain points to running a small business in regional Australia. Email or phone council on 4993 4185 to receive your unique link to complete the survey online or access it direct via advancecessnock.com.au/survey.  

Bellbird Community Hall has received a much needed upgrade and is more accessible to community members utilising this important community asset. Council carried out the works after receiving funding of more than $30,000 under the NSW Government’s Community Building Partnership program and a generous contribution from Ability Links NSW of $30,000. Council also contributed funding to the project which enabled the important works to be undertaken focusing on improving access to the hall. Council thanked community groups for their patience during the works phase. To keep up to date on projects Council is working on visit www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au/community/sport/currentprojects.   

It was great to attend the change over dinner for Rotary Club of Kurri Kurri. The hard working members distributed close to $30,000 to the community. The recognition of Stephen Crane, Jordan Fallon, Paul Hughes and Frank Climanco was outstanding.